In short: Great day, fantastic atmosphere, great support from locals.In full: The locals held out jelly babies, icepops, oranges, vaseline, their hands (for hi fives ). The crowd really kept me going and kept my mind off the distance I had to go. I would hope that I never miss another. (this was my first HM). I completed the course in 1:40:41 and was over the moon with it.....The weather was fantastic too. What a great day....

In short: Wonderful atmosphere and brilliant for beginnersIn full: This is such a great event and the support from the North East spectators is fantastic. Not a race for a PB as it's so busy. just one to run around happily high fiving spectators and enjoying the rewards of your training. The buzz of the whole event seems just the thing to get any beginners hooked on running.Date of review: September 24, 2009

In short: FanbloodytasticIn full: If you're after a PB, dont bother applying. If you're after a fab day out with great organisation, a steady run, loads of support along the way, loads of drinks, a great t shirt and medal at the end then this is the one for you. Thank you everyone for making this a truly memorable day.Date of review: September 24, 2009

In short: Fantastic event - and FUN!!In full: Fist time at the GNR and I will def do it again!Read some of the other reviews - can't believe people are complaining about the price. How much does it cost to book the Red Arrows - twice??!Organisation was superb. Yes a few issues at the start, but this was more the fault of runners turning up late or trying to get into pens they didn't belong to.The route was congested throughout (and I was in Zone C) but never worried about tripping someone or being tripped.As others said, the powerade was very wasteful, but brilliant to see so much water available all around the course (and at the start and finish). Local support is humbling, others have gone into detail, but their generousity and encouragement made the race for me.The course wasnt too hilly (long and steady as opposed to short and steep) and the sprint down the hill to the sea at the end was wonderful.Well done to everyone associated with the race, and of course, the people of the NE.Date of review: September 24, 2009

In full: The run that converted me to running 5 years ago still holds its own amongst the many half marathons I've clocked up since. Organisation was extremely good, with lots of en route loos, regular water and Powerade stations and mist showers. Definitely one I'd recommend. Fabulous. Date of review: September 24, 2009

In short: Great Experience Fantastic FinishIn full: This run is all about the people of Newcastle and South Shields. The street are lined with beautiful human beings of all ages giving you water, ice poles, oranges and even buying suckers from the ice cream vans and giving them to us as we passed by their towns. I was continually cheered on by the wonderful people, thanks to one lad who cheered at just the right moment, I so needed that encouragement. The finish is spectacular, you come over the top of the hill and there is the sea and you it gives you another kick to push you to the finish line. The red arrows put on a great show and that was worth finishing for. I have taken part in 5 half marathons and this was te best for the support and finish. I could not believe how I could just not move because of the vast field of runners and I have never ran to the finish were I have been unable to sprint because there were too many people around me! The end was just like the start, so many people all working towards the same goal. How amazing. I witnessed many wonderful acts of people at their best, see we are a great race! One lad gave her water up for another person struggling and in need of water, people apologising to you as they knocked you, which was inevitable due to the vast field, people running for causes so dear to them and precious. We are a winderful race and I am proud to be part of it. Date of review: September 24, 2009

In short: Great in every way........In full: I keep coming back for more of those Geordie hills, I just love this race. The spectators are fantastic - you can't beat it. The heat was a bit of a shock this year, but I'll be back again next year - trying yet again to get near that 2 hour mark!!Date of review: September 24, 2009